BLAC Racing: Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton Condemns FIA’s New Policy On Drivers Talking About Diversity & Politics

Lewis Hamilton has hit out at the FIA for its recent clampdown on Formula 1 drivers making political interventions.

The world champion believes there are still people who are against F1’s push for diversity, equality and representation.

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Hamilton criticized the governing body’s stance on their reported ban on drivers trying to speak on issues related to politics in the sport.

Ahead of the 2023 season, the governing body of motorsport announced that it will be monitoring the comments made by drivers regarding inclusivity, positivity, and lack of diversity in the sport. The announcement was heavily criticized by everyone involved in the sport, including Lewis Hamilton. The likes of Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Valtteri Bottas have criticised the ban as well as Red Bull boss Christian Horner said he feared drivers becoming like “robots” if they were not allowed to speak out on such matters.

“Of course, when you read that in the news, that 100 percent tells me that we’re going in the wrong direction. It is counter to what I’ve been trying to do with my team, for example, what I’ve been trying to do in conversations with stakeholders within our sport.”

Lewis Hamilton

The FIA has been trying to increase diversity, equality and representation in F1 over the past few years. But the pushback has been strong, and it’s not going away anytime soon.

Lewis Hamilton, who has been at the center of this movement, says that he still expects pushback over their work. Although the FIA has retracted its stance on the issue after the initial statement, it will be interesting to see how they tackle any related issues that arise during the 2023 season. 

Photographer:Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images

Date taken:Mar 4, 2023

Series:Formula 1

Event:Bahrain GP

Sub-event:Pre-race

Track:Bahrain International Circuit

Drivers: Lewis Hamilton

Teams: Mercedes